These smoked cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! With creamy cheese and a smoky flavor, they are sure to be a hit at dinner or any gathering.
Honestly, who can resist gooey cheese on perfectly cooked potatoes? I often make them for barbecues, and they disappear in minutes. They’re just that good! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are my favorite for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. You can replace them with Russet potatoes if you prefer a fluffier potato, but they’ll have a different taste profile.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. It tastes great and adds protein!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides richness. For a vegetarian version, swap it with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce if you want to control the ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. If you’re a fan of milder cheese, feel free to use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead!
Cornflakes: These give a nice crunchy topping. If you want a gluten-free option, try crushed rice cereal, or use crushed potato chips for an extra flavor kick.
How Do I Get the Best Smoked Flavor in My Potatoes?
The smoking process is key to boosting flavor in these cheesy potatoes. It might sound tricky, but it’s pretty straightforward.
- Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) as it allows the potatoes to absorb the smoke without getting too hot.
- Use wood chips like hickory or applewood for a nice, sweet flavor that pairs well with cheese.
- Keep the lid closed while smoking to trap smoke and heat, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly.
- Check the potatoes after 1.5 hours; you’re looking for a golden, crispy top.
Letting them rest for 10 minutes after smoking helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy your smoky treat!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1/4 cup additional melted butter (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 2 hours for smoking. With some cooking and mixing, you’ll have a cozy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking will give your potatoes that wonderful smoky flavor.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large pot, fill it with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your diced Yukon Gold potatoes and cook them until they are tender—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain them and set them aside for now.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir all these ingredients together until they’re well mixed and creamy.
4. Combine Potatoes and Cheese Mixture:
Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheesy mixture. Make sure all the potatoes are nicely coated, so every bite is delicious!
5. Prepare for Smoking:
Transfer the mixture into a disposable aluminum pan. This makes it easy to place in your smoker and clean up after eating.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping:
In a separate bowl, take the crushed cornflakes and mix them with the 1/4 cup of melted butter until they’re coated. Spread this crunchy topping evenly over the potato mixture in the pan.
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Carefully place the pan in your preheated smoker. Smoke the potatoes for about 2 hours, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy—this will add that perfect texture!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the pan from the smoker and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps it set a bit. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Now your smoked cheesy potatoes are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect as a side with any meal.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for a creamy texture, you can substitute them with red potatoes or even Russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes might slightly alter the texture and flavor. If using Russet potatoes, ensure to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Simply replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. Be sure to check for vegetarian labels on the soup to avoid any meat-based ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Smoked Cheesy Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of milk or more melted butter before reheating.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Sure! You can prepare the potato mixture up to a day ahead. Just combine everything up to step 5 and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the cornflake topping and smoke as directed. This saves time on the day you plan to serve it!
